UD Labs: Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day Poll Data

Valentine's Day can be a real minefield. But if you really want to know what works, we say, ask a
woman.

So we did. We assembled the UD Labs' field research team and polled 100 of the most high maintenance women
we could find. The results, while not completely shocking, serve as an important reminder: When it comes to
real love, sometimes it's not the thought that counts, but the material things.

After a rigorous analysis of the survey data, UD is pleased to present you with the findings:

FINDING #1: When in doubt, go French.
UD RECOMMENDATION: Apparently nothing gets women more in the mood than French food, wine, and
anything else reminiscent of a little "voulez-vous." So with that in mind, our recommendation for this
Valentine's Day: go French. You may have to knock back a Bud after all this, but by the end of it, she'll be
saying "oui" (and let's face it, not many things sound better than that).

FINDING #2: Breakfast in bed, though cheesy, goes over quite well.
UD RECOMMENDATION: Although this one entails getting up earlier, you may be
rewarded with some on-the-spot love. Start her day off with cafe au lait and a pain au chocolat, or an
assortment of croissants. Pop open the champagne and OJ
for a mimosa and you're golden. Great French cafes include: Le Gamin, Balthazar
Bakery, Payard, and Ceci
Cela (55 Spring, 212-274-9179 or 166 Chambers, 212-566-8933).

FINDING #3: It's not worth much if no one else can see it.UD RECOMMENDATION: With Valentine's Day falling on a work day, a bouquet
of flowers sent to her office will ensure her friends see how much you love her—the bigger, the better
(send another to her home for bonus points). The best French florists are rumored to be Polux
Fleuriste (248 Mott, 212-219-9646). For midtowners, try Christian Tortu at Takashimaya (693
5th Ave, 212-350-0111); for uptown, Wild Poppy (159 E. 92nd St, 212-717-5717); and for anywhere,
L'Olivier.

FINDING #4:She's a bigger fan of "Pretty Woman" than you think.UD RECOMMENDATION: Things that make her feel sexy come with built-in
rewards for you. Like the ultra-luxe French lingerie ERES—the only brand of its kind that can make her feel like the lady she is and
also make you feel like you've scored a high-priced hooker.

FINDING #5: Real love is expensive.
UD RECOMMENDATION: The real labor of love is shopping with her, but if that's too much to
ask, take the easy route with some point-and-click action (latest 'it' jewelry from Marie-Helene de Taillac is a great bet; or try Hermes old-school
enamel bangles for the girl who can't get enough of a good label). Or bite the bullet and head
to Parisian-style townhouse store Albertine, where owner Kyung Lee won't mind holding your hand
while you choose something from her fashion-insider collection. (13 Christopher, 212-924-8515).